Former Kenyan Vice President Rigathi Gachagua Alleges Attempted Assassination in Church Attack

Alfred Lasteck,BBC AfricaAnd

Lucy Fleming

Prominent Kenyan opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua has claimed there was an attempt on his life during a Sunday church service.

Gachagua, who was sacked as vice president in an impeachment trial in 2024, claimed a gang of rogue police officers attacked the church in Othaya, in central Nyeri county, using bullets and tear gas.

Without providing evidence, he accused his former ally, President William Ruto, of ordering the attack. Ruto did not comment but Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable.

Police said an investigation had been opened, specifying that no injuries were reported.

Reports to police said a tear gas grenade was thrown inside St Peters Anglican Church at 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT), disrupting the service.

Several vehicles were reportedly damaged within the church grounds, police added, appealing for witnesses.

Gachagua, a wealthy businessman from the central Mount Kenya region and now a vocal critic of the president, said he was escorted to safety by his security team.

He posted photos of the incident on X and later held a press conference in which he rejected suggestions from pro-government bloggers that the attack had been staged.

“Where do we get access to tear gas?…Where do we get access to AK-47 assault rifles?” » asked the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party.

Murkomen said the police chief had promised him that the attackers would be brought to justice.

“Violence, wherever it occurs, let alone in a place of worship, is unacceptable,” declared the Minister of the Interior in a message on.

“The police must act without fear or favor and deal decisively with the sponsors and perpetrators of this act, without regard to their status in society or political affiliation.”

Under Kenya’s constitution, Gachagua’s conviction by the Senate means he can no longer hold public office.

He had pleaded not guilty to 11 charges, five of which included inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office.

However, the politician, better known as Riggy G, says he will run in next year’s presidential election because he is appealing and the Supreme Court has not ruled on his indictment.

Ruto and Gachagua were elected on a joint list in 2022 – and the partnership helped Ruto win by rallying support in Mount Kenya, the heartland of the Kikuyu people who make up the largest voting bloc in Kenya.